Future secure for regional tourism

Nelson City Council and Tasman District
Council today separately resolved to alter the shareholding
in Nelson Tasman Tourism (NTT).

NTT is a council
controlled organisation, previously jointly owned by both
councils, which supports the economy through regional
marketing, tourism development and visitor information
services. Tasman District Council will transfer its shares
to Nelson City Council at no cost.

Nelson Mayor Rachel
Reese says the transfer will ensure that the services
provided by Nelson Tasman Tourism can continue to be
delivered, in a cost effective manner.

“Tourism
currently brings over $500 million to the Nelson Tasman
economy. Nelson City Council is committed to continue
investing in the sector through tourism development
activities and the i-Site. This is an opportunity to use
closer ties with NTT to leverage major events and our
regional facilities in a way that adds value to
ratepayers.

“Much like our arrangement with the Nelson
Region Economic Development Agency (EDA), sole ownership
provides the company and stakeholders with certainty about
future direction and clarity around reporting lines and
obligations.

“Together with Tasman District Council, the
local tourism industry and NTT, we are now in a position to
consider the best model for delivering tourism services
within the existing Nelson Tasman Tourism brand.

“There
is no question that the development of tourism delivered by
NTT is vital for the region to retain and grow market share
in the competitive tourism industry. The next step is
considering options for being more effective and adding
value for ratepayers wherever possible.”

Tasman District
Deputy Mayor Tim King says Tasman District Council’s
agreement to the share transfer recognises the value of the
tourism sector to the region and opens the way for greater
flexibility in the way support is provided to meet the
future needs of the industry.

“We will continue to work
with Nelson City and industry leaders to develop the best
model and how to fund it.”

“The tourism sector is going through rapid
change and Nelson Tasman Tourism needs to change with it to
remain competitive and make the best use of our ratepayer
funding and the investments the private sector makes in our
company.

“Having one owner will simplify the process of
making the necessary changes, to provide a productive
platform for the coming years.”

Funding is secure for
NTT until 30 June 2015. Funding beyond that will be
considered by both Councils through their respective Long
Term
Plans.

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